In a recent interview on Arise TV from 13:29, journalist and human rights activist Agba Jalingo provided a sharp critique of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s handling of the confrontation with Naval Lieutenant Yerima, emphasizing the minister’s approach as both impulsive and ill-advised.
Jalingo stated that “Just some pulling of a rifle, he ran away. He could not even deal with a soft lieutenant.” He was referring to Wike’s reaction during the standoff, highlighting the perceived overreach of the minister in attempting to enforce administrative authority on a military officer performing his duty.
According to Jalingo, Lieutenant Yerima acted within the bounds of military protocol, maintaining composure and following lawful orders despite the minister’s unexpected presence at the disputed land site. He argued that Wike’s intervention was unnecessary and demonstrated a pattern of impunity, which has characterized several of the minister’s past actions in both civil and security matters.
Jalingo further contextualized the incident by comparing the professional discipline of military personnel with the behavior of certain politicians. He emphasized that officers like Lieutenant Yerima and retired figures such as Air Commodore Abayomi have dedicated their lives to national service, often under life-threatening conditions, yet they are met with undue interference from civilian authorities unaccustomed to operating within structured hierarchies.
Concluding his analysis, Jalingo warned that the incident underscores a critical need for respect of institutional boundaries, adherence to proper procedure, and recognition of the sacrifices made by uniformed personnel. He stressed that ignoring these principles could lead to more frequent clashes and undermine both governance and public trust in the Federal Capital Territory. View, More,
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